• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • BECOME A MEMBER: >> The Homemaker’s Circle – Just $7.00!! <<

A Virtuous Woman: A Proverbs 31 Ministry

Purpose not Perfection | Faith, Home, & Family

  • The Blog
  • 10 Virtues
  • Abundant Living
  • Family Life
  • At Home
  • The Recipe Box
  • Homemaking Classes
  • Shop
  • The Blog
  • Homemaking Classes
  • Shop
  • 10 Virtues
  • Abundant Living
  • Family Life
  • At Home
  • The Recipe Box
  • The Plan of Salvation
  • Free Quick Start Guide
  • How to Start a Blog
  • Disclosure & Privacy Policies
How I Use "This is My Life" Planner @ AVirtuousWoman.org #planners #getorganized

How I use… This is My Life {52 Week} Planner

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

How I Use "This is My Life" Planner @ AVirtuousWoman.org #planners #getorganized

This is My Life Planner

So, I know a lot of you have already purchased your own digital copy of “This is My Life” planner. Are you getting excited about using it this coming year? I know I am! I’ve been using a planner or “household notebook” for years now.

Here’s a few of my posts on the Household Notebook over the years:

  • My Household Notebook
  • The Household Management Notebook
  • The Life Management Binder

When I created This is My Life Planner I had some “must-haves” that I knew I wanted in a planner.

  1. Undated. Instead, the planner uses a weekly format.
  2. Pretty, with bright {cheerful} colors and awesome fonts.
  3. Daily Chores to check off.
  4. Weekly chore lists that rotate every five weeks.
  5. A place to write my weekly reminders.
  6. Weekly menu planning.
  7. A way to organize all of my holidays and plan ahead.

Of course, I included much more! But those were the elements that were most important to me.

  • You can learn more about the planners here.
  • You can compare the different versions here.
  • You can see a video of my planner and what it looks like here.

Really, there’s three ways to print and bind your planner.

  1. Print onto paper or card stock {will be much thicker} and use a 3-hole punch to add the pages to a 3 ring binder.
  2. Print and take the planner to your favorite office supply store {i.e. Office Depot or Staples} and have them add a white coil binding and clear plastic cover to the front and back for durability.
  3. Or, when printing, select 2 pages per sheet, print even pages first and then odd pages. You can then cut the pages in half with a paper cutter and either have them bound at your office supply store or use a 5.5 x 8.5 hole punch and place in a 5.5 x 8.5 binder.

So, I wanted to walk you through how I am using my “This is My Life” Planner and how you can use it.

[Tweet “See how to use the This is My Life Planner. #getorganized”]

How to Use the “This is My Life” Planner

I printed the “This is My Life” 52 Week Planner onto card stock {110 lb.}. If you print onto card stock, you need to realize your planner will be quite a bit thicker than if you use regular 20 lb. copy paper. I didn’t mind this. 28 lb. paper would also work nicely.

How I Use "This is My Life" Planner @ AVirtuousWoman.org #planners #getorganized

I purchased a few inexpensive tools to use along with my planner.

How I Use "This is My Life" Planner @ AVirtuousWoman.org #planners #getorganized

  1. George brand 4 x 6 Wristlet Wallet. {from Wal-Mart}
  2. Post It Note Tabs
  3. Washi Tape
  4. Sticko Stickers
  5. Pentel R.S.V.P. Pens
  6. Post It Note Binder Tabs
  7. Flags
  8. Post It Note Graph Paper Pads

You’ll notice that I designed the planner so that when you open the current week {or which ever week you’re looking at, you have both the weekly planner and the weekly menu facing each other so that you can easily plan for the week without having to flip back and forth between pages. Sweet, right?

How I Use "This is My Life" Planner @ AVirtuousWoman.org #planners #getorganized

And of course, colorful pens are always fun to use. However, I utilize a pencil for those things I want to keep note of that might change. I also keep a set of colorful flags for marking important notes.

How I Use "This is My Life" Planner @ AVirtuousWoman.org #planners #getorganized

I use the Post It Note Graph Paper pad for making my weekly shopping list. This makes it easy to plan my menu, decide what I need to buy and easily take the list with me.

How I Use "This is My Life" Planner @ AVirtuousWoman.org #planners #getorganized

The stickers make it fun. Who doesn’t like stickers?

How I Use "This is My Life" Planner @ AVirtuousWoman.org #planners #getorganized

I have a black briefcase or bag {whichever you like to call it} that I take with me everywhere. Inside my bag, I carry my This is My Life Calendar and my Blog Planner, my Samsung Tablet as well as my wallet, and other essentials for when I’m out.

To organize my planner goodies, I purchased this sweet little wristlet wallet from Wal-Mart. It’s just big enough to hold all of my planner essentials.

How I Use "This is My Life" Planner @ AVirtuousWoman.org #planners #getorganized

 How do you organize your planner?

If you enjoyed this post, or love This is My Life Planner, would you share this image on Pinterest or Facebook? Thanks for helping me out!

How I Use "This is My Life" Planner @ AVirtuousWoman.org - Planning your week is so easy! #planners #getorganized

Tweet
Share5
Pin15K
Share
15K Shares

About Melissa Ringstaff

My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I've been blogging here at A Virtuous Woman since 2001. I'm a pastor's wife and homeschooling mom living in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Southeastern KY. I believe in finding freedom from perfection and living life with purpose and I want to help you do exactly that.

I'm so glad you've stopped by to visit with me. I hope we can be friends!

You may also enjoy reading these posts:

Setting Marriage Goals @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Setting Goals for Your Marriage + Free Printable Worksheet for Couples

My Favorite Planner Accessories and Why They are Useful @ AVirtuousWoman.org

My Favorite Planner Accessories and Why They are Useful

Favorite Laundry Finds at Walmart @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Favorite Laundry Finds at Walmart

Starting Your Morning Like the Proverbs 31 Woman @ AVirtuousWoman.org

How to Start Your Morning Like the Proverbs 31 Woman

Cozy Homemaking Books @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Cozy Homemaking Books | 10 Books to Inspire Your Cozy Homemaking

How a Planning Day Helps You Stay More Organized @ AVirtuousWoman.org

How a Planning Day Helps You Stay More Organized

Christmas Decor Storage Finds on Amazon @ AVirtuousWoman.org

My Favorite Christmas Decor Storage Finds on Amazon

3 Ways a Planner Helps Reduce Your Stress @ AVirtuousWoman.org

How Using a Planner Reduces Stress

How to Use the Purpose 31 Planners @ AVirtuousWoman.org

How to Use the Purpose 31 Homemaking Planners

How to Use a To Do List, plus a free printable Weekly To Do List for your This is My Life Planner @ AVirtuousWoman.org #busymoms #proverbs31

How to Use a To-Do List | 7 Tips for Using a To-Do List

Meal Planning for Busy Moms @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Meal Planning for Busy Moms

Tips for Cleaning Your Dining Room and Entryways @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Tips for Cleaning Your Dining Room and Entryways

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

Join the 7 Day Challenge

Previous Post: «31 Days to Calm in my Chaos {Series} @ AVirtuousWoman.org #getorganized #calminmychaos 31 Days of Calm {Series}
Next Post: 31 Days of Calm: Prayer {Day 4} 31 Days of Calm Series: Day Four - Prayer @ AVirtuousWoman.org #31days #proverbs31 #moms»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Elizabeth

    December 31, 2013 at 10:30 am

    Have mine printed and in my binder I had in the house and started it on Sunday. I have lots of things to use to mark my planner as I am a scrap booker.
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      December 31, 2013 at 11:31 am

      Hi Elizabeth! Yes! That sounds great. I am a scrapbooker/ project lifer too! I hope you enjoy using the planner. Thanks for sharing! Oh, and Happy New Year!
      Reply
  2. Laura P

    January 2, 2014 at 1:05 pm

    Wow is there a way I can buy your planner Melissa? I absolutely love it!
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 2, 2014 at 2:04 pm

      Laura, Thank you for the sweet words! the planner is available here: http://avirtuouswoman.org/store/#!/~/category/id=8318058&offset=0&sort=normal I hope you enjoy it! God bless and Happy New Year!
      Reply
      • Laura P

        January 2, 2014 at 2:42 pm

        Thank you so much Melissa! You did a great job in putting it together!! :) Happy New Year to you as well and God bless!
      • Melissa Ringstaff

        January 2, 2014 at 3:20 pm

        Thanks, Laura!
  3. Lauren

    January 3, 2014 at 12:13 pm

    LOVE THIS PLANNER! Wish you had a planner app that looks like just like this! That would be awesome!
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 3, 2014 at 12:37 pm

      Lauren, thank you. I've considered looking into an app program. We'll see. :)
      Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 4, 2014 at 8:55 pm

      Lauren, thank you. Maybe one day an app will be available. :) Thanks!
      Reply
  4. Aubrey Carey

    January 3, 2014 at 5:08 pm

    I'm curious, are some of the areas able to edited/changed? And I see there is a weekly plan and menu plan but if we want calendar pages that is an add on right? I'm trying to find a way to have everything all together in one place!;)
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 4, 2014 at 8:51 pm

      Aubrey, I've had several requests, so I'm thinking I'll add a planner with blank chore lists in the next couple of days. :)
      Reply
  5. Aubrey Carey

    January 4, 2014 at 7:29 am

    One more question?;) I'd like to print this at staples, will be much better quality vs at home. Should I print it double sided or does it print one page per page? I do want it to line up, open up properly?
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 4, 2014 at 8:49 pm

      Aubrey, I suggest that you print the EVEN pages first and then the ODD pages. I believe that if you have a printer like Staples do it they will know how. Tell them you want both sides of the pages printed on like a book. That way when you open the planner, the weekly pages will face each other properly. Let me know if you have any other questions! Thanks!
      Reply
  6. Etienne

    May 9, 2014 at 12:25 pm

    Amei o seu post!!! Parabens!!!
    Reply
  7. denielle

    August 6, 2014 at 1:39 am

    Hey there, I printed of my whole binder and was wondering the order that one would put.them in? Thanks I love the planner
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      August 6, 2014 at 8:56 pm

      Denielle, {repost from your other comment} I personally have the Weekly planner and the holiday planner combined in a spiral bound notebook – I printed it onto card stock and took it to Office Depot and they bound it for me for around $5.00. My budget planner, project life planner and Kitchen planner are in two different 3 ring binders. I did it this way because I can grab my weekly planner and take it with me easily. The other planners don’t usually leave home. You can see a video of my planner here: http://avirtuouswoman.org/2014/02/18/how-using-a-planner-reduces-stress-day-23/ I hope you are blessed by the planner - so glad you love it!
      Reply
  8. Felicia

    October 6, 2014 at 8:30 am

    That's a great idea! I've always hunted around for nice journals/ planners but I never find one that suited my needs + the design that I like + in the size that I like. I guess you could tell that I'm very particular. On the other hand, I've tried half a dozen of electronic to-do lists/ reminders but they do not motivate me either. It's never dawned upon me to make my own! Your design is inspiring. Thank you!
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      October 6, 2014 at 3:36 pm

      Hi Felicia, I'm glad you like it. You can purchase This is MY Life Planners in our bookstore! :)
      Reply
  9. tara

    October 23, 2014 at 12:52 pm

    I need a planer as I use a notebook to keep track of things. I think I will ask Santa for one.
    Reply
  10. Tracy Schneider

    March 19, 2015 at 6:21 pm

    Just curious - what software did you use to create your planner ?? I am thinking about buying one but also might add some extra pages that pertain to me but I'm not sure what to use to make them. It doesn't look like you used Microsoft Word. Is that something you can share ??
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      March 19, 2015 at 9:35 pm

      Tracy, I use Microsoft Publisher. :)
      Reply
  11. Natalia Patricia Ridao

    February 16, 2016 at 11:50 am

    Hello Melissa, It´s so great. Thank you for the information. ¡Greetings from Venezuela!
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Free Online Conference

Welcome

Hi There! My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I believe that being a Proverbs 31 Woman isn't about being perfect. Here at A Virtuous Woman you'll find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose.


How to Start Blogging as a Ministry

How to Start Blogging as a Ministry

Footer

How to Study the Bible

  • Bible Study Methods
  • Does the Bible Interpret Itself?
  • Reading the Bible for Beginners
  • How to Start Reading the Bible Daily
  • The SOAP Bible Study Method

Helpful Links

  • The Modern Proverbs 31 Woman
  • The Art of Homemaking
  • From Chaos to Calm: 75 Day Series
  • When You Feel Unlovable
  • Perfection is NOT Required | How to Let Go of Perfectionism

A Simple Guide to Proverbs 31 Explained for Modern Women @ AVirtuouswoman.org

  • The Plan of Salvation
  • Subscribe
  • Resource Library Login
  • How to Start a Blog
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Disclosure & Privacy Policies

Site Footer

Free Proverbs 31 Bible Study Guide for Modern Day Women

Get instant access to my free Bible study guide on the 10 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman.

 

purposenotperfection

Freedom from perfection. 🪁
Live with purpose. ✝️
Proverbs 31 for modern women. 👱‍♀️
Wife + Mama + Homemaker + Kentucky
Life: @melissa.ringstaff

Melissa Ringstaff
Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just because there was a pandemic. Our family has faced many trying times in the past but 2020 gave us some doozies.  I’m looking forward to a new year. The beginning of the new year always feels like a fresh start to me. It feels like HOPE.  But the truth is, whatever heartaches and hardships you and I were facing on Dec. 31 will most likely still be there on Jan. 1.  That’s why it’s hard to keep New Years resolutions. It’s easy to feel motivated for a few days or a couple weeks until we realize life hasn’t really changed and things are still hard.  But if we want to see real change it takes hard work and real effort. It takes showing up every day - even when it’s hard.  Whether that means working on your fractured relationships or setting healthy boundaries or cultivating self disciple... whatever that hard thing is that you need to work on ... it will only get better if you work on it.  We aren’t promised an easy life. But we are promised an “Ever Present Help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1  *
*
*
#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth#proverbs31women #proverbs31life #10virtues #daughteroftheking #jesuslovesme #womenoffaith #faithquotes #proverbs31
We’re coming into the new year with all the same We’re coming into the new year with all the same problems we had in the last year. And that’s okay! Life doesn’t have to be perfect to still be amazing. Perfectionism is a joy stealer. Let’s determine to enjoy life right now in all its messiness.  I believe you can find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose. #purposenotperfection  #christian #Jesus #love #quotes #quoteslife #quotestoliveby #godisgood #votd #lifequotes #inspirationalquotes #life #motivationalquotes #inspiration #bible #bb #bestoftheday #happiness #wordofgod
🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. 🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. It’s a ministry to your family and all who enter your home.  But I want you to know: You don’t have to be perfect. ❤️  There’s a fine line between teaching your children to be neat and insisting on perfection. No one can meet that kind of standard and it can be detrimental to the emotional health of your family.  What we want for our homes is to provide a space that is neat and clean enough that your family and friends feel comfortable and well loved.  There is freedom in accepting the fact that you’re not perfect. Not to make excuses for slovenliness - but to give yourself grace.  It’s when we recognize our weakness that we find ourselves reaching out to Jesus to receive the power that comes only from him. As homemakers, when we can find grace for the moment when we accept His Gift.  “But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage. Ezra 9:8  Let His Grace wash over you, cleanse your weary heart. Homemaking isn’t about creating a perfect space. It’s about creating a home where loved ones feel cared for and nurtured. 
*
*
*
#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #wearethehomemakers
❤️Your attitude about homemaking matters.⠀
⠀
A homemaker by definition is someone who manages and makes a home. 🏠⠀
⠀
But, anyone can clean and organize a home. ⠀
⠀
☑️ Homemaking is about more than checking off the items on your to do list.⠀
⠀
Learning how to be a homemaker means you learn how to make your home feel like haven of peace and love. You seek out ways to make your home feel inviting. You work at it.⠀
⠀
There is no easy button for homemaking. There are easier, more efficient ways to do chores, but the chores still have to be done. If you live in a house, you will create the need for the house to be tidied every day and cleaned on a regular basis.⠀
⠀
Having the right attitude about homemaking is the first step in learning how to be a homemaker.⠀
⠀
The good news is, even if you’ve been struggling with your homemaking, you can always go to God and ask Him for help. ⠀
⠀
He sees the unseen work of your hands. And He loves you very, very much. He wants to help you succeed. ⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
* ⠀
⠀
#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking  #youngwife #housewife
🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regu 🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regular time with Jesus every day, you’re not alone. Lots of busy Christian women struggle to find time for a daily prayer and devotion time. ⠀
⠀
But I still want to encourage you to start your day with God! ⠀
⠀
⏰ If it’s hard to spend 30 minutes in the morning for a quiet time, I want you to remember you can still begin your day with God – even if that means saying a short prayer before your feet hit the floor in the morning.⠀
⠀
✝️ I also want to encourage you to memorize this verse:⠀
⠀
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.⠀
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 📖⠀
⠀
In the morning you can recite this verse and say a prayer. It doesn’t have to take a long time. Although – if you do have time – you will be greatly blessed by spending more time in prayer and devotion.⠀
⠀
📌 Free Printable Morning Prayer Prompts on the blog today: https://avirtuouswoman.org/morning-prayer-prompts/  #linkinbio ⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth #Christ #Church #Christian #Jesus #Jesuslover #JesusChrist #JesusisLord #CreatorGod #Devotional #verseoftheday #Love #Faith #biblestudy #God #dailydevotional
🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be inte 🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be intentional with how I plan our days. I love any opportunity to create a good memories at home for my family and guests. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
📌 If you're looking to make this holiday season really special, you need to be intentional. Goodness knows 2020 has had a lot of ups and downs. And maybe you feel like it's been mostly downs. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
🎄 But the holiday season is a chance to focus on celebrating the life we have right now. Things don't need to be perfect for us to celebrate life right now!!⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀
☑️ Inside the pages of my Purpose 31 holiday planner, you'll find 8 weeks of planning and cleaning all laid out for you. Recipe pages, journaling pages, and more - 120 pages total. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
✏️ The Purpose 31 Holiday Planner is by far one of the most popular resource I produce each year. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
Thousands of women have downloaded it over the last four years I've offered it.⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀
So, even though it's early still, you can go ahead and downlaod it. Print it out and then set it up so you're ready to go.⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀
I usually take my holiday planner down to Office Depot and have them spiral bind it with a plastic cover for about $5.00. This year, though, I just bought a new 3 ring binder at Walmart, printed off extra cover pages to slip in the clear sleeve, and created a binder with it. ⠀⠀
⠀
📌📌📌 If you use the planner this year, be sure to share and tag me in your photos! ❤️⠀  Download: https://avirtuouswoman.org/holiday-planner/ #linkinbio
⠀⠀
⠀⠀
#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #christmas #holidayplanning #planningaddict #plannercommunity #freeprintables #thanksgiving #christmastree  #plannerobsessed
Load More... Follow Me on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 A Virtuous Woman · All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.